IP36 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
The IP36 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP36
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP36 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.